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Wutaishan Nanchan Temple Main Hall Sculptures
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Wutaishan Nanchan Temple Main Hall Sculptures
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Wutaishan Nanchan Temple Main Hall Sculptures
CHINA, Shanxi, Wutai; Tang dynasty (618–907), dated 782; Clay
An inscription found beneath a crossbeam states that the hall was reconstructed in 782. It escaped damage from the Buddhist persecution under Emperor Wuzong (reigned 840–846) due to its remote location. The sculptures inside the temple were repaired in 1343 and repainted numerous times afterwards. Almost all pieces are now missing some part of the body, but they retain the original Tang dynasty (618–907) form.
A platform in the center of the hall supports seventeen statues with Sakyamuni Buddha in the center. His disciples, Mahakasyapa and Ananda, stand to the right and left of him. The Bodhisattvas Manjusri and Samantabhadra are separated from the Buddha by smaller figures. They are enthroned on their mounts, a lion and an elephant, and are accompanied by their keepers and a child. A Bodhisattva and a Heavenly King stand on both sides next to the mounted figures of Manjusri and Samantabhadra. Finally there are two small Bodhisattvas, each seated on a lotus, in the foreground. |
